Shakespeare uses his closing scene of Julius Caesar as a way to reiterate his themes of forgiveness and the importance of honor. Antony and Octavius were both bloodthirsty and determined to win complete power, but they both viewed Brutus as being "Honest" (5.5.77). Shakespeare has them using kind diction in relation to Brutus, who they both hate, to show the importance of honor. Even though they do not like him, they respect him and plan to give him the "rites of burial" (5.5.88), because anyone who died in battle still retained honor. Furthermore, it shows the importance of forgiveness. Both Antony and Octavius want Brutus' blood, but when he finally does die, he is glorified. Brutus' death also shows courage. While Cassius had a slave stab him, Brutus did it himself, with the same sword he used to kill Caesar. He is honored by his enemy due to his courage and nobility, some of the most important traits in ancient Rome.
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